We recently went to our child’s pediatrician, and on one of the authorization forms, they ask about egg allergies. Why do they ask this before getting shots? Does this apply to all vaccines or just certain ones? Can kids with egg allergies not get these vaccines? If so, are there alternatives?
—Britt
Great question!
There are several common vaccines that use egg products in the manufacturing process. The key ones for parents and children are the MMR vaccine and seasonal flu vaccines (the others are not commonly used outside of specific circumstances, including the yellow fever vaccine and rabies vaccine).
Historically, doctors were concerned that the fact that the vaccine was exposed to eggs in the manufacturing process could prompt an allergic reaction in individuals with egg allergies. The question on the form was designed not to eliminate the use of vaccinations in that group but to make doctors more aware of possible reactions.
However, as data has developed, it has become clear that this is not a notable concern. Multiple studies have shown that children with egg allergies are extremely unlikely to have a reaction to any of these vaccines, probably due to the fact that there is little or no egg protein in the actual vaccine.
Modern consensus recommendations do not suggest any special considerations for children with egg allergies, and indeed this is no longer asked on some newer versions of these forms. Your child will always be watched for an immediate allergic reaction to vaccines, but that can (and should) happen regardless of their allergy history.
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